Ex-Border Patrol Chief Claims Biden Admin Withheld Terror Suspect Arrest Information

President Biden speaking into a microphone

Former Border Patrol Chief Aaron Heitke alleges that the Biden Administration is concealing terror suspect arrest data at the southern border, but what are the implications of these claims?

At a Glance

Former Border Patrol Chief accuses Biden Administration of hiding a rise in arrests of migrants with terror ties.
Heitke claims he was barred from disclosing the number of terrorist suspect arrests.
The administration allegedly used costly flights to manage the border crisis away from the media’s view.
Over 1.7 million “gotaways” entered the U.S. without being apprehended.
Former Chief Rodney Scott echoes claims of an intentional border opening by the administration.

Heitke’s Testimony and Serious Accusations

In a testimony before the House Committee on Homeland Security, Aaron Heitke, former Chief of the San Diego Sector Border Patrol, asserted that he was prohibited by the Biden-Harris Administration from disclosing the number of terrorist suspects arrested at the southern border. Heitke’s claims highlight a troubling situation, where information pertinent to national security might be suppressed to manage public perception.

The testimony stated that he was ordered to release hundreds of illegal aliens daily into communities ill-equipped to support them. Heitke’s allegations point towards a deliberate effort to hide vital data from the press and the public. He additionally claimed that flights were used to manage the crisis, costing taxpayers roughly $150,000 per flight.

Breaking: Biden-Harris admin muzzled info on suspected terrorists caught at border: Former Border Patrol chief https://t.co/7XtzFRbHnL

— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) September 19, 2024

Data on Terrorists Crossing the Border

According to Heitke, between fiscal years 2021 and 2024, 382 individuals on the terrorist watchlist were apprehended while attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally, compared to 11 individuals from fiscal years 2017 to 2020. The administration allegedly barred Heitke from discussing the growing number of border crossings by “Special Interest Aliens” (SIAs) with potential national security concerns.

“I was told I could not release any information on this increase in [Special Interest Aliens] or mention any of the arrests. The administration was trying to convince the public that there was no threat at the border.” Ex-San Diego Sector Chief Agent Aaron Heitke

Heitke describes the substantial increase in SIA arrests from 10-15 per year before the Biden-Harris administration to over 100 in 2022 and subsequent years. This significant upsurge poses a considerable risk to U.S. national security.

A former border Patrol Chief recently testified that the Biden-Harris administration stopped him from releasing information on a spike in suspected terrorists illegally entering the U.S.

We cannot let this go under the radar — our Border Czar must be held accountable. pic.twitter.com/bbuO2khzU4

— Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (@RepDesposito) September 19, 2024

Congressional Reaction and Hearing

At the recent House Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing, Chairman August Pfluger (R-TX) and Chairman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered their opening statements, scrutinizing the administration’s border policies. The hearing examined irregular migration trends, the increased travel patterns of those on the terrorist watch list, and the security repercussions. Concerns were raised about foreign terrorist networks exploiting criminal smuggling channels from the Middle East and Central Asia.

Furthermore, former Border Patrol Chief Rodney Scott claimed that the Biden-Harris Administration “intentionally” opened the US border and instructed border agents to not fulfill their duties. This stands in stark contrast to the policies of former Presidents Trump and Obama.